Sproutbuilder Widgets Help You Market and Promote Your Content!

The first time you visit Sproutbuilder, you can opt to try out the service prior to registering. You must register in order to save your sprout.

You will find the sprout editing tools are similar to photo editing software:



You have options to build your widget to your specifications. In the Media tool drop down you can make your widget with audio, picturesque, like a jukebox or a TV.



The General tools allow you to add buttons, a calendar, a countdown timer, simple frame or progress bar, timer, slideshow, or thumbnail menus.

For the purpose of this lens, the News Feed is our main target. If you have regularly updated sites you can utilize the feed to create a widget that highlights and links to your content.



Here are some of the services you can add to your widget:

This is how you build a basic sprout with an RSS feed similar to those I have highlighted in my Polaroids.

I. Open a Blank Slate.



II. Title, describe, and select a widget size for your project. I like to use the Vertical Rectangle because it fits well in the side bar of my blog. The widget size can be adjusted as needed with out starting all over, so you can play around with it later.

III. Decide if you want your sprout to have a colored or an image background. Colored backgrounds can be made by selecting from the options in the box below your work space.



a. For an image you open the Media section, under Components, and drag the Image icon into your blank work box.



b. Re-size and move the image box to match the size of your blank slate. Click and drag one of the illustrated dots to do this:



c. Add an image by double clicking the image box. You can add images from your computer by clicking the Assets tab, uploading an image, and dragging it into the box. Or you can use an image from the Web by entering its URL in the space provided.



IV. Now you are ready to add your RSS feed. Open the General box under Components and drag the News Feed icon into your box. Note: The feed box can be re-sized or moved to suit your needs just as you did with the image box.

a. To the right of the screen is a Properties area you can add your RSS feed URL. This is the URL address information located on your RSS page.



b. Your RSS feed box can also be adjusted for aesthetics here: Change your text, general appearance, and how you want the links to open.

c. Remember anything you do can be reverted back if you are not happy.

V. Once you have your RSS to your liking, you should give your RSS Widget a heading.

a. Click and drag the big "T" in your tool box to your workspace.



b. Type in your text.



c. Highlight it if you want to change the font, color, or appearance.

VI. Preview your widget to see what you've done! If you like it click publish and grab the html to insert on your site.



Enjoy!